Mutations in the gene that encodes the KRAS protein are frequently encountered in various human cancers. They are found in about 30% of non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLCs), making KRAS the single most common gene mutated in this cancer. The rate of KRAS mutations in other cancers, such as pancreatic or colorectal, is even higher.

A mutant KRAS protein that is always in the “on” position activates many signaling pathways, many of which lead to unrestrained growth and proliferation of cancer cells. This makes KRAS an appealing treatment target. However, challenges abound, and researchers are exploring several different approaches to treating KRAS-mutant cancers.

Unlike mutations in proteins known as receptor tyrosine kinases, like EGFR or ALK, mutated KRAS is a very difficult protein to target with cancer drugs. (So much so that the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has undertaken a special effort to intensify the effort towards successful targeting of mutant KRAS, known as the RAS Initiative.) Continue reading…

“Hodi et al reported the ﬁnal results of a multicenter phase II trial of imatinib in patients with advanced melanoma harboring mutations or ampliﬁcation of the KIT proto-oncogene. KIT is a transmembrane receptor tyrosine kinase, normally expressed on melanocytes, that plays a critical role in melanocyte migration, survival, proliferation, and differentiation. Mutations and ampliﬁcation of KIT have been identiﬁed in melanomas arising from mucosal, acral or chronically sun-damaged surfaces, and they characterize a distinct genetic subset of disease. The alterations identiﬁed are, in most instances, mutually exclusive of BRAF and NRAS mutations and lead to constitutive activation of downstream signaling pathways including the MAPK, PI3K/AKT, and JAK/STAT pathways.”

“ATP competitive inhibitors of the BRAFV600E oncogene paradoxically activate downstream signaling in cells bearing wild-type BRAF (BRAFWT). In this study, we investigate the biochemical mechanism of wild-type RAF (RAFWT) activation by multiple catalytic inhibitors using kinetic analysis of purified BRAFV600E and RAFWT enzymes. We show that activation of RAFWT is ATP dependent and directly linked to RAF kinase activity…”

“Upregulation of the ERK1 and ERK2 (ERK1/2) MAP kinase (MAPK) cascade occurs in >30% of cancers1, often through mutational activation of receptor tyrosine kinases or other upstream genes, including KRAS and BRAF2. Efforts to target endogenous MAPKs are challenged by the fact that these kinases are required for viability in mammals3, 4. Additionally, the effectiveness of new inhibitors of mutant BRAF has been diminished by acquired tumor resistance through selection for BRAF-independent mechanisms of ERK1/2 induction…”

WASHINGTON, D.C. — A new class of investigational medicines may help to treat patients with cancers driven by mutations in genes such as BRAF or KRAS/NRAS, including those patients who have become resistant to therapies that target BRAF directly,…

New study suggests the combination of targeting the MEK/ERK and PI3K/mTOR pathways has antitumor activity and could be a therapeutic option in the treatment of NRAS mutant melanoma, for which there are currently no effective therapies.